First GPRS system in India launched

First GPRS system in India launched
ENS ECONOMIC BUREAU

Mumbai, Aug 28: BPL Mobile has announced the launch of mobile internet service with general packet radio service (GPRS) end-to-end network in the country. BPL is the fifth GSM operator in the world and second in Asia to commercially launch GPRS.

GPRS enables a GSM network operator to offer high performance, flexible and cost effective data services to customers. GPRS will also enable a consumer to make voice calls simultaneously with data calls. It also enhances speed of accessing the Internet on mobile to 171 kbps from 9.6 kbps.

The other cellular service providers to offer GPRS network in the world include BT Cellnet in the UK, T-Mobile in Germany, Telsim in Turkey and Unicom in China.

BPL Mobile Communications chief executive director Girish Rangan says that the company is planning to achieve a cellular subscriber-base of five lakh during the calendar year from the present four lakh. BPL Mobile operates in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

"GPRS capable handsets can be linked via infrared ports, or by small cables to computers and will allow users to browse the Internet, receive and send e-mails, participate in chat sessions, download data and conduct business on the net," Rangan added.

Customers need a GPRS capable handset from companies like Motorola, Ericsson and Siemens to use the service. BPL Mobile will soon announce a flat rate to access the GPRS network. The target segment for the company is corporates for remote office LAN access, individuals for wireless Internet access and WAP-based services for youth.